Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a game-changing easy recipe that’s rich, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with seared chicken breast, fresh garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that coats every bite of pasta, this one-pan meal is a family favorite for good reason. Perfect for easy dinner nights, quick pasta recipes, or when you need food ideas that satisfy without the cleanup.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Lower the heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom to deglaze the pan.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a light simmer.
6. Add uncooked penne pasta. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes until pasta is al dente. Add extra broth if needed.
7. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Slice the rested chicken and return to the pan. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional crushed red pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to revive the sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: easy dinner, one pot pasta, creamy chicken penne, quick weeknight meal, parmesan chicken pasta